One of the questions I receive most often from first-time Disney Cruise Line families is how to meet all of the princesses. The answer is the Royal Gathering, and it’s one reservation you’ll definitely want to know about before your cruise.
Unlike almost every other character greeting onboard, the Royal Gathering requires an advance reservation. It opens 30 days before sailing in your Disney Cruise Line account, and the complimentary reservations disappear quickly because there are only a limited number available.
So what exactly is it?
Rather than hunting down princesses one by one throughout your voyage, the Royal Gathering allows you to queue up once and meet several princesses in a single experience. While the lineup can vary slightly by sailing, you can generally expect to meet around five princesses, with time for hugs, photos and autograph signing at each stop. It’s a wonderful way to check several royal favorites off your list all at once.
If possible, I recommend choosing a reservation on your sea day. Since you’ll already be onboard enjoying the ship, it tends to fit into the day’s schedule a little more naturally than trying to squeeze it into a port day. One thing to keep in mind is that the Royal Gathering is only offered a handful of times during most sailings, usually over the course of just a few hours. If it’s important to your family, be ready when your booking window opens.
That said… please don’t stress if you aren’t able to secure a reservation. Disney Cruise Line offers so many wonderful character experiences throughout your vacation, and honestly, I often prefer those.
Every day once you’re onboard, the Disney Cruise Line Navigator app will list character greetings in approximately 15 to 20-minute time slots. Simply arrive during that window, and you’ll have the opportunity to meet the character, enjoy a hug, take photos and collect an autograph.
I actually love spreading these meet-and-greets throughout the voyage. Rather than standing in one long line for everyone, it gives children something magical to look forward to each day. One morning they may meet Mickey, later that afternoon Belle and perhaps Captain Minnie before dinner. It’s one of the many things that makes a Disney cruise feel so magical.
If I can leave you with one piece of advice, it’s this: prioritize the Royal Gathering if princesses are at the top of your child’s wish list, but don’t let it become a source of stress.
In fact, this is one of my favorite benefits of sailing concierge. Because concierge booking windows open much earlier, I’m able to reserve the Royal Gathering for my concierge families well before general reservations become available. There’s no setting an alarm, logging in exactly 30 days before sailing or crossing your fingers that reservations haven’t disappeared. I simply take care of it for you so you can focus on the excitement of your upcoming cruise.
And if you’re sailing in a non-concierge stateroom and aren’t able to secure a reservation, don’t worry. Disney Cruise Line offers so many wonderful character experiences throughout the voyage that your little one will still have countless magical moments with their favorite princesses.
Let’s Set Sail
As a Premier Level Advisor with Glass Slipper Concierge, I am recognized for providing the highest level of customer service, experience and knowledge in the industry. I use my personal connections and firsthand expertise to craft bespoke vacations for the most discerning clients. On top of that, travel is expensive and I know how to get the best value for your time and money. Most aspects of planning a family vacation look different and now, more than ever, it is crucial to have the most current, up to date information based on personal experience to plan your vacation!
My family are platinum level cruisers on Disney Cruise Line, having sailed on the most magical ships at sea TWENTY times. Not only that, but you can count on my recent and personal experience sailing two to three times a year. I’ve experienced every stateroom type available, from the inside to a concierge suite across every ship in the fleet. And, I’ve dined in the restaurants, enjoyed the port adventures and done it all so I can best advise YOU!
I offer concierge travel planning for Walt Disney World® Resort, Disney Cruise Line, Disneyland® Resort, Adventures by Disney®, Aulani, National Geographic Expeditions, Universal Orlando, Sea World and other delightful destinations around the globe! Let’s go there!
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